Climate Change & Wildlife Habitat

These days we often here talk of climate change and the potential impact that global warming will have on our society. But what about the affect of climate change on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Many of our wildlife species are completely dependant on a very narrow band of acceptable climactic and environmental conditions in order to survive. Serious study of the effects of climate change on habitat must be undertaken and planning models must be tuned to reflect the new reality.

In short, when an ecosystem undergoes a dramatic change it can no longer sustain resident and migratory wildlife populations. New species of plant and animal life take over and indigenous species disappear.

So why don’t animals and birds simply move as their habitat changes? The fact is that they do, and much can be learned by the studying the slow migration of species into regions where they were previously unknown. But what happens if they can’t move? Take the animals and birds of the northern tundra for example. They rely on food sources that are only produced in regions of permafrost. As the permafrost vanishes due to sustained periods of higher than normal temperatures new types of vegetation will take over. These species simply cannot move further north to find food sources because it will simply cease to exist.

Species like the ptarmigan, arctic fox, and polar bear will simply cease to exist. And guess what? It is very likely to happen in our lifetime. Many scientists firmly believe that this is a “when”, rather than an “if” scenario.

There are other fragile ecosystems like the prairie pothole region that runs from the north central US through Southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Southern Alberta. This ecosystem provides a stopover for almost every migratory bird along the Mississippi flyway accounting for 80% of the waterfowl in North America. This ecosystem is already at risk due to improper farming and development practices. Over the next 50 years the potholes that provide a safe secure stopover for a wide variety of waterfowl will simply cease to exist.

Don’t take my word for it! Do your own research and form your own opinions, but you will find that, in spite of government rhetoric to the contrary, many of these changes are inevitable. Wildlife studies must now focus on how to plan for the new reality and forget about sustainable management models of the past.

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Hunters or Poachers?

I recently read about a Supreme Court of Canada decision that just made my blood boil. It was a decision in favor of the insurance industry, http://www.cbc.ca/consumer/story/2007/10/19/scoc-autoinsurance.html, regarding a case where someone was shot in the leg because the shooter thought he was a deer.

Although I think it is an interesting and just decision that is not the subject of my rant. It is the fact that the shooter was referred to as a hunter. You see the shooter was taking aim at what he thought was a deer with the aid of the headlights of his car.

Friends, that is not hunting, it is poaching! And, it is illegal! I believe that a lack public, as well as media, understanding of hunters and hunting are to blame. Somehow it is viewed that anyone carrying a firearm in the pursuit of game animals is a hunter. Or, for that matter anyone that plies our lakes, rivers, or oceans in search of fish is a fisherman.

I do not hide the fact that I am an avid hunter and fisherman, but I am also a conservationist and avid watcher of nature. Both mainstream media and the public need to understand that hunters and fishermen abide by a set of moral rules as well as abiding by rules and laws laid down by various levels of government. We may not always agree with them, but we always abide by them.

Those who hunt or fish out of season; those that keep more game than they are allowed; those that take antlers and leave meat to rot; those that kill for various profitable animal parts; and those that hunt at night by shining light in the eyes of animals are not hunters; they are poachers! It is high time that mainstream media began educating themselves and at the same time educating the general public that those who perpetrate these crimes against wildlife are criminals; not hunters.

One more thing while I’m on the topic. The annual deer rut (breeding season) is either underway, or will begin shortly. You will no doubt hear media personalities stating that deer are being chased onto the roads by hunters whenever there is a deer/car accident. That is yet another misconception that leads to public misunderstanding.

During the rut bucks (male deer) have only one thought on their minds and just like adolescent boys their hormones outpace their brains. It is the bucks chasing does onto highways that causes the vast majority of deer/car accidents this time of year; not hunters.

If you are driving in rural areas at this time of year be especially vigilant in the periods around dawn and dusk.

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Ontario Election Only Two Weeks Away!

Time is slowly marching on to the day that Ontario elects a new government and there is still little talk of increased funding for wildlife or habitat management issues.

All revenue generated from the sale of hunting and fishing licenses is diverted to a special fund to be used exclusively for wildlife and habitat management funding…is it? Well yes and no! You recall that this agreement was made when the Outdoors Card was first introduced and it was made to encourage outdoors people to support the new license by ensuring that the revenues raised would be put directly back into the resource. The arrangement has formally been in place since 1996.

The revenue generated by the sale of the Outdoors Card and associated licenses was to be added to the annual ministry budget for the MNR, but our current Liberal government, by means of continuous budget cuts, has put more reliance on the special fund than was ever intended. In fact, even though hunters and fishermen (the only users of outdoor resources required to by the card) are now funding more and more of the general MNR budget making MNR the ultimate “user pay” ministry.

It’s time to stop the rape of our natural resources caused by continuous funding cuts. It’s time to restore the pride of our front-line enforcement officers by providing the funds so they can do the job they are hired to do. Make no mistake that our Conservation Officers are front-line law enforcement officers with a mandate to protect our wildlife and wildlife habitat from abuse, misuse, and illegal activity. But, they need to be in the field on a continuous basis to make a difference…not just when there is a formal complaint.

The Conservatives have committed, in writing, to restore funding to match the contributions of Outdoor Card revenues. That is not enough; but at least it will stop the hemorrhaging and put our Ministry of Natural Resources back on the path of respectability.

As a follow-up to my previous post regarding the Canadian Wildlife Service I’m very pleased to announce that Environment Minister John Baird has publicly stated that there will be no cuts to CWF funding. I believe this is in no small part due to the backlash from environmental groups like Delta Waterfowl and public pressure.

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Cuts at Canadian Wildlife Service Getting National Attention!

If you want solid proof that governments at all levels are turning their backs on wildlife management look no further than the Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS).

The CWS falls under the control of Environment Canada and according to their website their mandate is as follows: “The Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS), part of Environment Canada, handles wildlife matters that are the responsibility of the federal government. These include protection and management of migratory birds, nationally significant habitat and endangered species, as well as work on other wildlife issues of national and international importance. In addition, CWS does research in many fields of wildlife biology.”

Wildlife management is not something that can be turned on and off at will by elected representatives or bureaucrats. Future planning and sustainability depends on scientific research that determines both the well being of various species and the sustainability of their habitat.

Dr. Robert O. Bailey, VP of Policy for Canada for Delta Waterfowl, and one of Canada’s foremost proponents of sustainable management has brought the whole issue of mismanagement of CWS to public attention.

On September 18 he toured the Innisville National Wildlife Area near Perth Ontario with a news crew from CBC. The report can be found at: www.cbc.ca/canada/ottawa/story/2007/09/18/enviro-canada-cuts.html .

Wetlands are disappearing at an alarming rate and land reclamation for urbanization or crop production is no longer the primary culprit. Many experts feel that wildlife habitat is changing so quickly and dramatically that management based on historical models is not even possible. We need to begin planning based on future predictions and this can only be accomplished by governments at all levels that are committed to the cause.

The Canadian federal government has found a new catch-all phrase called “Climate Change” and seem to be diverting all efforts and funds in that direction. Climate change, global warming, or any other term that fits, is real. It will require a major shift in how governments at all levels think and react to virtually all environmental and economic issues. But, cutting research and management funding for wildlife and habitat studies is akin to a mechanic who doesn’t think tools are necessary for his trade.

Wake up Minister Baird! You need the tools to gather the data so intelligent decisions can be made. Wildlife habitat and particularly the state of our wetlands is a barometer for the overall well being of our environment, but it costs money and studies don’t always produce concrete results overnight. Don’t divert funds from your “front line troops” where it’s desperately needed.


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Single Use vs. Multi Use Trail Systems

Regardless of your geographical location a heated debate is sure to arise over the use and management of our wild spaces. Particularly those that are reasonably accessible form large urban centers.

ATV clubs, snowmobile clubs, equestrian groups, hikers, hunters and fishermen all claim sole rights to various public and private trail systems. So who should have access to abandoned logging roads? Should ATVs be allowed on snowmobile trails? Should hikers be allowed to use ATV trails? Should horse riders be allowed to use hiking trails? Should hunters and fishermen be charged fees for limited access?

You can see that there is no hope of appeasing everyone; or is there?

Well let’s head to the beautiful Ottawa River valley at the town of Mattawa Ontario, where the Mattawa River meets the mighty Ottawa. Here you will find over 200 km of managed trails that address the concerns of nearly everyone. This is a truly visionary approach to trail management that seems to be working.

I had the opportunity to personally tour the trail system last spring and I must say that I’m very impressed. The looping train systems are clearly posted as beginner, intermediate, and advanced. They are also designated as multi use, ATV only, horses only, or hiking only. In fact, the layout and design of the trails alone encourages only one type of use.

Initial access is by means of old logging roads that are well maintained through the early stretches and become progressively more rugged to the point where access by regular vehicles is not possible.

Day passes are available for $12.00 and a season pass is only $50.00. It will likely cost you more for gas to get there than you’ll pay for a yearly trail permit. All trails are regularly inspected and maintained by a dedicated group of volunteers. Funding for the massive maintenance project is obtained through trail, fees, special events, and corporate donations.

Mattawa is truly a destination where the multi use bickering has largely been put aside in favour of a combined love of the Canadian wilderness. The result is a multi use trail system that should be a model for planners everywhere.

For more information on the wide range of opportunities available in Mattawa visit http://www.vmuts.com/ . And yes, your ATV is allowed on town streets.

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Don't Let Politicians Forget Natural Resources Management

Make Conservation an Issue at the Polls

Well, here in Ontario we we’re heading into the official phase of the provincial election campaign and it’s time for all outdoor enthusiasts to take a look at how our resources are being managed.

As an outdoor writer and someone that tries to keep a finger on the pulse of resource and wildlife management issues I would definitely have to give the current Liberal government a failing grade.

Although both are important issues, education and sickness care seem to be the only items on the Liberal agenda. Our infrastructures and roads are in a terminal state of decline and our Ministry of Natural Resources budget has been pillaged to the point that many frontline conservation officers are only able to respond to formal complaints and are unable to carry out routine patrols.

Whether you are a canoeist, hiker, birder, hunter, fisherman, or are passionate about any of the other hundreds of outdoor pursuits, you need to voice your opinions.

Poachers are being given a free reign to rape our resources with little or no deterrent.
Fish hatcheries are being abandoned or are being managed by conservation organizations.
Wetlands are at risk due to lack of enforcement initiatives.
Nuisance bear problems are on the rise due to ineffective management practices.
Outdoors related activities provide employment for nearly 80,000 Ontarians.

Its one thing to say it doesn’t affect me but rest assured that an effective wildlife and resources management plan is essential if we as Ontarians expect to enjoy our vast and abundant outdoors heritage. Talk to your MPP and make your issues know. Don’t let this become a two issue campaign and let’s put some of our outdoor dollars back where they belong.

Even though this message relates to the Province of Ontario I know that this lack of attention to our great outdoors is not unique and affects regions throughout North America. Don’t be a bystander and wonder what happened after its too late.

As always we look forward to your comments and feedback.

The Sleeping Dog

Welcome to the Sleeping Dog Blog

This blog is brought to you by www.distinctnorthernart.com .

I intend for this blog to be a journey: A journey into the fascinating world of North American wildlife and the many issues that confront nature lovers throughout this vast continent.

Some of the issues to be discussed will be:

• Various management techniques for a variety of species.
• Sustainable wildlife management.
• Specific concerns and issues faced by a various wildlife species.
• Conservation issues.
• General outdoors related information and news.
• Affects of climate change on various species.

From time to time we will also use this forum to announce new offerings of unique, original, wildlife art available online from www.distinctnorthernart.com.

Yours in the outdoors,

The Sleeping Dog